Schleppwege

Schleppwege is a term used in gliding to refer to the flight path and distance flown by a tow aircraft during aerotow operations, from the start of the tow until the sailplane is released. The tow aircraft, or Schleppflugzeug, pulls the glider with a tow rope, and the Schleppweg describes the route, altitude profile, and timing of that tow to provide the sailplane with sufficient altitude and favorable conditions for a safe release and ensuing glide.

The choice of Schleppweg depends on factors such as weather, airspace restrictions, terrain, and other air traffic. As a result, tow routes can vary between launches and may include straight segments, climbs, turns, and occasional deviations to maintain safety and efficiency. Schleppwege are typically planned in coordination with ground and airfield operations and may be subject to local rules and noise abatement considerations.

In many regions, aerotow operations require coordination with air traffic control when conducted in controlled airspace, and pilots follow regulations regarding release altitude, tow length, and communication procedures. Schleppwege differ from winch-launch methods, which use a ground-based winch and produce a different tow geometry with typically shorter ground distances.

The term Schleppwege is primarily used in German-speaking gliding contexts; in English-language materials the concept is usually described as tow flight path or aerotow route.